Almostthe very best… like no one ever was
Last week saw the arrival of the latest releases in the decades-longPokemonfranchise,Pokemon Scarlet & Violet— And, despite plenty of misgivings in regards to the games’ performance, the two Nintendo Switch titles have still rocketed up the UK charts, debuting in the coveted No.1 spot.
As noted by GamesIndustry.biz, not only are the two titles enjoying the biggest physical video game launch of 2022, butScarlet & Violetare also the second-highest grossing launch of anyPokemontitles in the territory, just behind 2016 Nintendo 3DS releasesPokemon Sun & Moon. Games that saw their launch sales hugely bolstered by the accompanyingPokemon GOcraze of that same year.
The UK launch sales forScarlet & Violetare up 25% over 2019’sSword & Shieldand up 70% on last year’s remakes,Diamond and Pearl. These sales, it should be noted, ride on a wave of frustration and derision aimed atScarlet & Violet,with players complaining aboutmyriad visual problemsand a general lack of flair, style, and player choice. Regardless, thePokemonfranchise will forever be one of those “buy now, complain later” series — destined to rake in the millions simply on brand recognition alone.
Elsewhere in the UK Charts, Sony Santa Monica’s dethronedGod of War Ragnaroknow sits at No.4, while Sega’sSonic Frontiersis preparing to exit the Top 10, dropping from No.4 to No.10. The only other major release last week,The Dark Pictures: The Devil in Me, debuted at a modest No.16. We’ll soon see if word of mouth affectsPokemon Scarlet & Violet’sposition in the charts next week, or whether we have a contender for Christmas No.1.
U.K. video game sales chartw/e: June 30, 2025(Chart reflects in-store physical sales only)
1.Pokemon Violet– Nintendo2.Pokemon Scarlet– Nintendo3.FIFA 23– Electronic Arts4.God of War Ragnarok– Sony Interactive Entertainment5.Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II– Activision6.Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Double Pack– Nintendo7.Horizon Forbidden West– Sony Interactive Entertainment8.Mario Kart 8 Deluxe– Nintendo9.Nintendo Switch Sports– Nintendo10.Sonic Frontiers– Sega
